The Grotto Falls trail is a fast and easy day hike along a shallow stream that ends at a nice waterfall. This is one of the easiest kid-friendly hiking trails we have ever done in Utah. The dirt trail to the falls is only .3 miles (making this hike total .6 miles round trip.) It only takes about 15 minutes!
The Grotto Falls trail head is located on the Nebo Scenic Loop Road in Payson, Utah. It is not hard to find the well-marked trail head.
Park at the trail head and follow the Grotto Trail sign. The trail is fairly flat the entire way. There are a few times that you will need to cross the stream using narrow wood bridges. The trail dead ends at a natural cave, where the icy cold waterfall creates a shallow pool.
We hiked the trail in late spring, and found it to be a mostly shaded hike through the trees. The trail is accessible in spring, summer and fall. Deep snow closes the road access in winter. I assume the trail is pet-friendly because we came across lots of dogs (on leashes.) Baby strollers would have a difficult time crossing the narrow bridges, so I would suggest bringing a baby carrier/baby backpack for little ones who are too young to walk.
Driving Directions to Grotto Falls:
Take Utah I-15 to Exit 250 (towards Payson, Utah)
Turn Left onto 3200 W/N Main St./signs for SR-115 (.9 miles)
Turn left onto UT-198 E/E 100 N (.5 miles)
Turn right onto N 600 E (1.4 miles)
Continue onto FR 015/Nebo Loop Rd (6.7 miles)
Check out my blog post Hiking Essentials for Family Day Hikes. Another fun Utah day trip is to Antelope Island State Park (Great Salt Lake, Utah.)
Trisha F says
That looks beatuiful! Is the water legal to let the kids play in?
Nicole says
Hi Trisha! Yes, the kids can play in the water. It isn’t very deep, so it’s perfect for splashing. It’s ICY COLD but feels great on a hot summer day! –Nicole